Last weekend, Indian River Democrats Bonnie Ollinger and Cecelia Lyons attended the Leadership Blue Conference held at the Disney Contemporary Resort in Orlando. The general session diverged notably from previous years, with representatives from all 48 caucuses in the State of Florida addressing their community engagement strategies to support Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and other Democratic candidates for the November elections.
During the conference, two workshop panels were attended, one focusing on the National Gun Violence Prevention movement and the other on Youth Engagement. Notable speakers at the National Gun Violence Prevention movement panel included Rep. Maxwell Frost stressing the need for legislative change at the congressional level. Advocacy for lost lives remained a central theme.
The Youth Engagement workshop featured representatives from the Biden-Harris campaign, a high school delegate, and two university representatives, emphasizing the importance of engaging youth voters in reclaiming Florida. Their message underscored the critical role of young voters in securing victory.
Additionally, the gala provided a platform for 50 candidates running for seats in November, including Dan McDow, to showcase their campaigns. Senator John Fetterman delivered an impassioned keynote address, rallying attendees to continue working towards making Florida Blue again.
Office Updates
We're happy to share that our office will now be open Friday mornings! Thank you to our office volunteers that made this extension of our hours possible. Stop by at 2345 14th Ave. Suite 7 in Vero Beach to say hello and see what opportunities we have available for you to engage this election year.
Our voter registration team leaders are eager to meet you. Pop into the office Monday at 11:30 a.m. to learn how you can join the team and register voters across Indian River County. Our team leaders will be available to answer any questions and help you get started.
We've got SWAG! Come check out our t-shirts, tank tops, jewelry, stickers, pencils and coffee mugs to show your Democratic pride.
Let's Get Social
Follow us on social media! You can find and follow Democrats of Indian River on Facebook HERE
WANTED: Candidates & Candidate Supporters
Florida Democrats have filed and qualified to contest all 28 Congressional Districts in 2024 marking the first time Florida Democrats have filled a full slate of congressional candidates since 2018. No Republican is running unopposed!
It’s not too late to take a stand and run for an office. Every part of this state is worth fighting for and we do not want to let Florida Republicans walk into office without being held accountable. If you or someone you know is interested in running for office, please fill out the Run for Office form at https://www.floridadems.org/run-for-office/. You can send any questions about running for office to the Director of Candidates and Campaigns at [email protected].
State Senate SD-20 – Deadline to Qualify is Friday, June 14
State House HD-34 – Deadline to Qualify is Friday, June 14
Editorial Team Meeting
If you are interested in contributing Letters to the Editor (LTEs) and Op-eds on crucial issues within our community and would like to join our Editorial Team, please complete this volunteer form and join us at our May 22nd ZOOM meeting at 5:30 pm. Meet our leader, Fred Grumman, and the rest of our Democrats of Indian River Editorial team!
Democrats of Indian River is currently seeking to strengthen our committees that interact with the community and participate in local government meetings. We are searching for individuals to spearhead the following teams:
Get Out The Vote (phone/text banking)
Poll Watching
Vero Beach City Council
Sebastian City Council
Fellsmere City Council
Indian River County Commission
Indian River Neighborhood Association
To learn more about these positions, please contact the Democrats of Indian River office at 772-226-5267.
Passionate about politics and skilled in crafting engaging social media content to drive online engagement? If so, we want you to join our team! As we gear up for the 2024 election year, we're on the lookout for a talented and dedicated Social Media Intern to help us spread our message, engage with voters, and amplify our impact online. This is a part-time, paid internship opportunity. To apply for the Social Media Intern position, please send your resume to [email protected].
DWC Luncheon at Bent Pine Clubhouse Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. Speaker will be Dr. Joe LaGuardia, First Baptist Church of Vero Beach
"Surviving an Election Year" 6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32967
Non member guests are invited to attend. The cost is $35, payable at the door by cash or check. Please RSVP by Wednesday May 8 to [email protected] and include your meal choice: Quiche Lorraine with Mixed Green Side Salad, Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocado and Mixed Greens or Vegetarian Plate. Valet Parking will be limited to arrival from 11:15 until noon & departure from 1:30 to 2:15.
DWC Book Group Meeting Friday May 24, 2024 2-4 p.m. Bjorkman Room at Brackett Library on IRSC Mueller Campus
We will discuss - “Poverty, By America”
By: Mathew Desmond
Questions? Email [email protected]
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
Monday, May 20, 2024 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. School District of Indian River County School Board Business Meeting. Details here.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 9 a.m.
Indian River County Board of County Commission Meeting. Details here.
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 9:30 a.m. City of Vero Beach Regular City Council Meeting. Details here.
Thursday, May 23, 2024 Town of Indian River Shores Regular Town Council Meeting. Details here.
Thursday, May 16, 2024 City of Fellsmere Regular City Council Meeting details here.
Wednesday May 22, 2024 City of Sebastian Regular City Council Meeting at City Hall. Details here.
Thursday, May 23, 2024 Town of Orchid Regular Town Council Meeting. Details here.
